Bluffed? BVB Pulls Out of El Mala Negotiations

Borussia Dortmund will not, for the time being, continue its attempts to sign Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln.

According to reports from "Bild" and "Sky", Dortmund's offer, which was said to be over 55 million Euros including bonuses, was rejected.

The Black and Yellows had been pursuing El Mala (19) for around two months. It was the vice-champions' fifth improved offer to date.

"Borussia Dortmund will not make any further offer"

Sporting Director Lars Ricken told "WAZ": "Said El Mala is not a Borussia Dortmund player and will not be one this summer."

"In recent days, we held open discussions with the officials of 1. FC Köln, who, however, rejected our last offer. Borussia Dortmund will not make any further offer and will not pursue a transfer for the player any further," Ricken added.

Köln Demands Fixed Transfer Fee of 50 Million Euros

According to consistent media reports, Köln is demanding at least 50 million Euros as a fixed sum for the young winger.

BVB would have only reached this sum through "realistically achievable bonuses." Therefore, a sale is currently out of the question for "Effzeh". A departure for 55 million Euros would have surpassed Köln's previous record sale by 26 million Euros.

Thus, for now, the record remains Anthony Modeste, who moved to China for 29 million Euros in 2018/19.

Dortmund is therefore still looking for a winger. As every summer, Jadon Sancho is in contention. But Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal and Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG are also being discussed.